How to Become a Freight Broker in Georgia
People who enjoy an ever-changing and fast-paced work environment may want to consider a career as a freight broker. Brokers arrange transportation for shipments, negotiate prices for the service and communicate with their clients along the shipment’s journey. Freight brokers must have a license and insurance, and they can oversee freight agents, who do not have licenses or insurance and work as independent contractors. Agents are typically responsible for managing sales and finding the proper carrier for each shipment.
Where can I find freight broker training near me?
Requirements for Becoming a Freight Broker in Georgia
Freight brokers in Georgia must meet the standard federal guidelines to legally work in the state. Georgia does not require any additional state-level qualifications. Freight brokers should have a high school diploma or equivalent, with contingent cargo insurance, liability insurance and a $75,000 surety bond.
Some brokers may find it helpful to enroll in a training program, particularly if they are new to the industry. However, no formal schooling beyond a high school diploma is required.
Georgia Schools for Freight Brokers
Enrolling in a freight broker training course can help prospective brokers navigate the application process and learn valuable skills to help them succeed in the field. Here are two Georgia-based schools to consider:
- Shippers Carriers Based in Winder, GA, Shippers Carriers offers a variety of freight broker and freight agent training programs. Students can take a two-day, in-person course with a small group of students, a one-on-one course or an online course. Shippers Carriers also offers a Business Start-Up class, in which students will register their companies, create a website and even design business cards.
- Freight Movers School Atlanta’s Freight Movers school provides in-person and online classes that range from a full how-to course for new freight brokers to a one-day course that helps brush up on sales skills. Graduates have the opportunity to be placed at one of the school’s affiliate brokerages.
Certifications for Becoming a Freight Broker in Georgia
To work in Georgia, freight brokers must be licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Brokers can obtain this license by registering the name of their business and getting a U.S. Department of Transportation number, both of which must be submitted along with their license application. They must also pay a licensing fee of $300.
Freight brokers do not have to take a formal exam to be licensed in Georgia. Those who wish to acquire a formal acknowledgement of their skills can take an exam offered by the Transportation Intermediaries Association. The Certified Transportation Brokers exam can be taken to gain a competitive edge in the industry and prove to clients that brokers have the skills necessary to properly arrange transportation for their goods.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The trucking and freight brokerage industry continues to grow, driven by the expansion of the retail industry, both online and offline. The outlook for careers in freight brokerage remains positive, with significant growth expected in the sector.
As of the latest data, cargo and freight agents in the United States earn an average salary of $46,860 per year. In Georgia, these professionals earn a comparable average salary of $46,900 annually. The following HTML tables provide a detailed comparison of salaries at different percentiles both nationally and in Georgia, as well as in specific regions within Georgia.
National vs. Georgia Salaries:
| Percentile | United States Salary | Georgia Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $32,720 | $39,270 |
| 25% | $38,400 | $44,990 |
| Median (50%) | $46,860 | $46,900 |
| 75% | $58,710 | $61,130 |
| 90% | $70,280 | $67,030 |
Salaries by Region in Georgia:
| Location | 10% | 25% | Median (50%) | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $39,840 | $45,720 | $47,060 | $62,080 | $67,030 |
| Location | 10% | 25% | Median (50%) | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $39,840 | $45,720 | $47,060 | $62,080 | $67,030 |
Freight Broker Trends in Georgia
The employment trends for Cargo and Freight Agents in Georgia (43-5011.00) demonstrate a robust growth pattern for the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, Georgia had 3,010 employees working in this occupation. This number is projected to increase to 3,830 employees by 2030, representing a significant growth rate of 27%. Additionally, there are expected to be around 410 job openings annually over this period, which includes openings due to both growth and replacement. This trend suggests a strong job market for cargo and freight agents in Georgia, surpassing the national average growth rate.
In comparison, the national trend for the same period shows a growth rate of 10%, which is considered much faster than average. In 2022, there were 95,900 employees in this occupation across the United States, with projections indicating an increase to 105,200 employees by 2032. Nationally, there are expected to be about 11,000 job openings annually over this period.
Employment Trends
| Location | Employment (2020) | Projected Employment (2030) | Projected Growth (2020-2030) | Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 3,010 employees | 3,830 employees | 27% | 410 |
| United States | 95,900 employees (2022) | 105,200 employees (2032) | 10% (Much faster than average) | 11,000 |
Sources of Data:
Georgia Data: The employment figures and projections for Georgia are sourced from Projections Central, specifically their 2020-2030 long-term projections. Projections Central is known for providing detailed and state-specific employment projections, offering valuable insights into various occupational trends.
United States Data: The national employment figures and projections are obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), specifically their 2022-2032 employment projections.
Working as a Freight Broker in Georgia
After receiving their licenses, freight brokers can choose between two working environments. Many choose to start their own companies and either work from home or from their own offices. This option is ideal for people who enjoy a startup-style atmosphere and are ready to tackle the ins and outs of running a company. Others join an existing firm instead, which provides more stability and allows them to focus solely on brokering deals instead of marketing and other entrepreneurial tasks. These brokers typically receive higher salaries in larger cities, such as Atlanta, due to the increased cost of living in those areas. No matter the office type, freight brokers enjoy an exciting career in which no two days are ever quite the same.